Peugeot 308 GTi long term test report: a big leap forward

Because only the best will do, we opted for the higher of the two outputs offered, as it makes up the majority of GTi sales. We have the turbocharged 1.6 THP with 266bhp at 6000rpm, which has 19bhp more than its lesser sibling. Peak torque is 243lb ft at 1900rpm. All of that means a 0-62mph time of 6.0sec and a top speed of 155mph. Peugeot also claims the car has an unrivalled power-to-weight ratio in its segment.

Using stop-start technology, which no doubt helps with CO2 emissions (139g/km) and economy (47.1mpg combined), the GTi has a six-speed manual gearbox. There’s no automatic option, which is no problem considering how good the manual shift is, but the popularity of VW’s DSG gearbox suggests Peugeot could be missing a trick here.

Other than the slight tweak in power, one of the most notable distinctions between the two outputs is that our model receives a limited-slip differential — often the key difference between a good hot hatch and a great one.

Also distinguishing it from standard 308s is the Driver Sport Pack, which Peugeot says increases the responsiveness of the engine and gearbox to the accelerator pedal, changes the instrument panel colour to red (from white), displays certain parameters such as acceleration, power delivery and turbo, and amplifies the engine sound in the cabin.

As you’d expect of a top-of-the-range model, the GTi is garnished with plenty of extra design details and equipment. Alongside its exterior distinctions — which include tinted rear windows, an 11mm lower ride height, GTi grille with chequered flag design and side and front sports skirts — the car also gets GTi bucket seats trimmed in leather effect and Alcantara.

And then there are the mod cons. This generation introduces a 9.7in touchscreen that controls nearly all functions in the car, making most buttons defunct, and through this you can control the sat-nav, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth, to name a few.

Other day-to-day perks include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, power folding door mirrors and keyless entry.

One other feature absolutely worth mentioning is boot space, which smashes all of its competitors out of the park. It has 470 litres of space, versus 380 in the Golf GTI. I promise you a comical demonstration of what can fit in there, in a future report.

So how much does it cost? The GTI is £28,455, and the only option we have is Peugeot Connect SOS and Assistance (£240), keeping things simple.

It’s a promising start with the 308 GTI. Still, we’ve had little opportunity to employ it in its best (fast) guise yet, including the all-too-tempting Sport button, so we’ll be racking up the miles over the coming weeks to see how it fares for performance, while also maintaining its practicality and economy as a five-seat hatchback.

Price £28,455; Price as tested £28,695; Options Peugeot Connect SOS and Assistance £240; Economy 34.8mpg; Faults None; Expenses None.